Signs of the Times

I’ve made some observations lately about the society in which we live. A big one is busyness (see last two blogs—also notice how long it’s been since I’ve posted anything here). Another is prosperity. I’m actually a big fan of prosperity, but as I look around, I wonder if we’re tooprosperous today. There are three signs I’ve noticed that lead me to ask this.
 
Sign #1 – Storage Units
 
Anecdotally, I’ve observed that the number of storage unites has exploded in recent years. I don’t remember seeing them when I was growing up, but now they’re everywhere. We don’t have enough room for all our stuff in our houses, garages and backyard sheds. Now we need to rent extra spaces for our stuff.
 
Okay, I know a lot of these are used for seasonal stuff around here—boats in the winter, snowmobiles in the summer. But still, it seems a little weird to me.
 
Sign #2 – Body Fat
 
This one’s probably gonna get me in trouble, but here I go anyway…A recent visit to a water park put this and sign #3 at the forefront of my thinking. No offense, but Americans have a well-earned reputation in this area. Show me a guy over the age of thirty without a chubby belly, and I’ll show you a rare bird.
 
Okay, I realize unhealthy food is cheaper than healthy food, so maybe this doesn’t fit my hypothesis after all. Or perhaps we need to spend more time climbing steps at water parks…
 
Sign #3 – Tattoos
 
The water park was a wakeup call on this one in particular. I almost wondered if tattoos were required for entry. I’m not talking about the little daisy on a girl’s toe or anchor on a sailor’s shoulder. I’m talking tattoos weaving their way from head to foot. I even saw one guy with stars on his face(and wondered, “What was he thinking?”)!
 
The thing is, tattoos aren’t cheap. The average person at the water park had at least a couple thousand dollars worth of tattoos.
 
Now before anyone gets mad at me, I have many friends with tattoos—some with a lot. Most people I know could stand to lose a few pounds. And I’m sure I have friends with storage units. I’m not judging any of you, saying you’re bad, or that I’m superior to you just because I don’t have a storage unit, chubby tummy, or any tattoos.
 
I’m just saying it makes me wonder…what do I spend mymoney on? Do we need to re-think some things as a society? 
 
I’ll leave you with this: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” 2 Corinthians 9:11